This year’s Freedom Fest JC celebration in Heritage Park, downtown, Junction City, Kansas is scheduled for Wednesday, July 1 through Sunday, July 5.
Day 1-Wednesday 7/1
It all starts at 5:15 P.M. with Patriotic Sing, where community kids sing 5 Patriotic songs.
Then Freedom Sings will honor veterans through song.
At 6:30, we start our 2026 journey by pulling anchor and setting sail with The Old No. 5s, led by Adam Watson, who grew up here in Junction City. Then, be prepared to get “Ship Rocked” singing the best of Yacht Rock music for the rest of the night.
Day 2-Thursday 7/2 -Throwback Thursday
Come party to classic rock anthems starting at 6:00 with Private Eyes (Hall and Oates Tribute) followed by Doubte Vision (Tribute to Foreigner). Arena Rock Giants will bring down the house, playing from 9:00-10:30.
Day 3 - Friday 7/3
Our Magical Night of Entertainment begins with The Electrifying Magic of Jay Matiolli on the big stage from 6:00-6:30, followed by Almost Kiss at 7:00.
At 9:00, Draw the Line, the only “Officially endorsed Aerosmith Tribute Show” takes the stage. You don’t want to miss this band. Aerosmith’s lead singer, Steven Tyler, singled out Draw the Line as the Best of the Aerosmith tribute bands. They’re the only tribute band that has been featured on Aerosmith’s website.
Day 4- Saturday 7/4 - 4th of July!
A bright and early start for the Freedom Run at 7:30, followed by our Freedom Parade down 6th street, from Eisenhower to Adams at 10:00.
We have our Veterans Ceremony, carnival, and car show beginning at 12:00, followed by The Tiger Encounter, The Electrifying Magic of Jay Matiolli, and a foam zone.
Saturday night, you’re in for some great, high energy Southern, Bluesy Rock entertainment — starting with the Sunset Sinners at 5:00. At 6:30, we’re excited to have Anthony Gomes rockin’ our stage. He’s shared a stage with musical greats like B. B. King, Buddy Guy, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Sammy Hagar, and Heart. If you haven’t heard of him, check him out. He guarantees you won't forget him! At 8:30, come on down to the front of the stage to dance to the tunes of Michael Jackson and Bruno Mars with JAM, Jackson and Mars, A Michael Jackson and Bruno Mars Tribute Band. We’re going to “Rock With You” and create some “24K Magic”!
We end the night with our Fireworks Extravaganza at 10:00, with some extra BANGS and BOOMS added to the finale to celebrate America’s 250" birthday.
Day 5 - Sunday 7/5
Sunday is still coming together. We’ll let you know as soon as we do!
*To check out the full detailed event schedule and all other Freedom Fest news, visit their website here. Their Facebook Page is Freedom Fest JC.